Bringing the world to Western

Nov. 1, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University will showcase numerous
countries and cultures for southwest Michigan residents during
International Education Week, which runs from Monday through
Friday, Nov. 12-16.

A joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education,
International Education Week promotes programs that prepare Americans
for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad
to study, learn and exchange experiences in America.

The local celebration is being organized by WMU's Haenicke
Institute for Global Education. Most of the events are free.
All are open to the public and will take place on the University's
main campus in Kalamazoo.

In addition to films and a concert, the events will include
a talk by Mexico's former secretary of foreign affairs and a
Japan festival Monday, Nov. 12; a French culture night Tuesday,
Nov. 13; and a travelogue and geography bowl Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Just prior to International Education Week, Kalamazoo will hold
its 12th annual Russian Festival Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9-10.
on campus.

"The week gives us a chance to highlight the benefits
of international education and exchange worldwide," says
Kimberly Ritter, WMU coordinator of international student activities
in the Haenicke Institute.

"Education is a shared value in our interconnected world.
Throughout the week, we'll offer many activities that will increase
awareness of cultures, languages and customs; enhance mutual
understanding; and develop international perspectives."

A list of local International Education Week events follows.
For more information about them, contact Kimberly Ritter at kimberly.ritter@wmich.edu
or (269) 387-5859. More information about the national observance
is available at www.iew.state.gov.

Study Abroad Information Table--11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Bronco Mall, lower level of the Bernhard Center. Representatives
from the Haenicke Institute's study abroad unit and students
who have studied abroad will be on hand to answer questions and
distribute information about WMU's infinite possibilities to
study abroad.

Film--4 p.m., Room 1110, Trimpe Hall. As part of the
Hispanic Film Festival, WMU will show "The Spanish Earth"
(1937). The film has become one of the major films on the Spanish
Civil War. It features strong photography, mainly by John Ferno,
combined with powerful editing by Helen van Dongen and commentary
by Ernest Hemingway.

Film--6 p.m., Room 1110, Trimpe Hall. As part of the
Hispanic Film Festival, WMU will show "La lengua de las
mariposas" ("The Language of Butterflies,"1999,
R). The film mourns the Spain destroyed by civil conflict by
remembering it through the enchanted eyes of a small boy.

French dinner--6:30 p.m., Wesley Foundation. WMU's
French Club will host a traditional dinner with cuisine from
many Francophone, including Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and
Africa. This evening will include music and slide shows of the
featured regions.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Travelogue--11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room 211, Bernhard
Center. Two faculty members from the WMU Department of Family
and Consumer Sciences, Dr. Marlene Breu and Dr. Karen Blaisure,
will discuss and show photographs of student discoveries and
experiences from their travels through Turkey, Latvia and Brazil.

Geography Bowl--5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., Room 208, Bernhard
Center. Teams and spectators will help celebrate Geography Awareness
Week, Nov. 12 through 18, by matching their wits in a world geography
trivia bowl. Snacks and prizes will be provided. WMU students
may contact Stephen Wood at stephen.j.wood@wmich.edu
to register a team.

Film--6 p.m., Room 1110, Trimpe Hall. "Soldados
de Salamina" ("Soldiers of Salamina," 2003, Spanish
with English subtitles) will be presented as part of WMU's Hispanic
Film Festival. The film centers around professor and writer Lola
Sanchez, who is assigned to write a newspaper column about the
Spanish Civil War and during her research, becomes focused on
a shooting involving Rafael Sanchez Mazas, who founded the fascist
Spanish Falange party.

Thursday, Nov. 15

Study Abroad Information Table--11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Bronco Mall, lower level of the Bernhard Center. Representatives
from the Haenicke Institute's study abroad unit and students
who have studied abroad will be on hand to answer questions and
distribute information about WMU's infinite possibilities to
study abroad.

Japanese film and discussion--7 to 9:30 p.m., Room
3502, Knauss Hall. WMU's Michitoshi Soga Japan Center presents
"Sansho dayu" ("Sansho the Bailiff," 1954).
The film is about an idealistic governor who is cast into exile
when he disobeys the reigning feudal lord. His wife and children
are left to fend for themselves and eventually wrenched apart
by vicious slave traders. A discussion will follow with Dr. Jeffrey
Angles, WMU assistant professor of Japanese and associate director
of the Soga Japan Center.

Friday, Nov. 16

Informational meeting--4 p.m., Room 205, Bernhard Center.
WMU's International Programs Council will be discussing the importance
of international education and involvement on campus and throughout
the greater Kalamazoo community. The public is invited to attend.

Prelude talk and concert--7 p.m. talk, 8 p.m. concert,
Miller Auditorium; reserved-seat tickets, $19, $29, $39 and $49
(students and children half price). The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
will present a "Taste of Italy" concert featuring Benjamin
Beilman on violin with Raymond Harvey conducting. The music will
include scores by Verdi, Sibelius, Ponchielli, and Mendelssohn.
Harvey will present the prelude talk